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Happy New Year from the Library

New Year brings wonderful opportunities to learn and grow. Throughout the year, our programming theme will be Pathways to Sustainability. 
 
In 2025, the Library will offer a variety of classes and programs related to leading a greener lifestyle.  Hear master storytellers share stories and music about our unique planet Earth through our Story Central performance series. Discover more about our incredible Florida birds, manatees, dolphins, and coasts through special guest speakers as part of our Coastal Stewards Talks and Thursday Night Speaker series. Adults can learn macrame, sewing, collage, and upcycling. Tweens and Teens can build fun sustainability skills that include candle making, soap making, and more. Children ages 6-8 can kick off the year with hands-on sustainable farming activities in Farmer Jay’s Junior Sprouts. Sign up for a single session or all eight to become a Certified Junior Farmer!
 
Wishing you a very Happy and Green New Year!
 
Lisa Testa
Program Services Librarian III

Coastal Creature Conversations: Sea Turtles with Dr. Harrison Albert - Coastal Stewards Talks Series
Thursday, January 2, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
In this first session of this three-session series, learn about each of the marine animals common to Florida's coasts and the efforts individuals like Dr. Harrison Albert, as part of the Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS) and the Coastal Stewards, go to to save and maintain populations of these wonderful creatures. Join us in this talk to learn more about Sea Turtles and Dr. Harrison Albert's and the Coastal Steward's efforts to help these beautiful creatures. 
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Saturday Morning Writers' Group with Dr. Caren Neile
Saturdays, January 4, 18, 11:00am-12:30pm
via Zoom
Are you a budding or professional writer? Would you like feedback from other writers on your book chapters, short stories, poetry or vignettes? Are you interested in building an ongoing team of like-minded people for creative support and inspiration? If so, you are a perfect candidate for a writers' group.
 
 
Seat reservation required to receive ZOOM link; must be a library cardholder.
Reserve a seat

Sunday Matinee Music Series: Con Brio String Quartet
Sunday, January 5, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Enjoy a free classical music concert with the popular and award-winning Con Brio String Quartet. Each of these talented players has received numerous scholarships and competitive awards. Based in Southeast Florida, they perform individually with the Symphony of the Americas, the Palm Beach Symphony, and the Florida Grand Opera.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome. 

The Future of Florida’s Coasts: What We Can Learn from the History of Tampa Bay with Dr. Evan Bennett from FAU -
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, January 9, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join Dr. Evan Bennett as he provides historical context for the threats Florida's coasts face and some hope from the history of Tampa Bay. Seemingly doomed by the 1970s, Tampa Bay has rebounded and today is a healthy estuary and a site of a vibrant coastal culture thanks to the efforts of everyday people to make it a better place for all. 
 
The Thursday Night Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive an email reminder but drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Documentary: Zappa directed by Alex Winter
Monday, January 13, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
The life and times of legendary musician, songwriter, and bandleader Frank Vincent Zappa are reminisced and celebrated. The documentary directed by Alex Winter, includes archival footage of Zappa and his band in some of their most iconic performances, as well as interviews of people close to him including his late widow Gail, former bandmate Ian Underwood, and other successful musicians who were influenced by his work.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Ancient Life: The Early Americas
Tuesday, January 14, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
 
Take a look into the complexity and diversity of life in the Ancient Americas and explore daily life, culture, government, and the diverse aspects of the many cultures across this region.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

 Indie Author Day
Saturday, January 18, 1:00-5:00pm
Downtown Library 
If you're an aspiring writer or an author hoping to be published, then you won't want to miss this free speaker event! Three experienced authors will present and share practical advice from their own writing and publishing journeys. Meet fiction, nonfiction, and children’s authors plus a local publisher at exhibit tables and browse their books. Refreshments will be available. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam with Dr. Caren Neile
Sunday, January 19, 3:00-4:30pm
Downtown Library
It's a community storytelling concert. It's a friendly competition. It's a chance to make new connections and renew old ones. Join us for the delightful cafe atmosphere, coffee and tea, and 5-7-minute true personal stories (not read or memorized) from the audience. 
 
Maximum storytellers: 10. Reservations for storytellers preferred but not required. 
 
Drop-ins welcome to listen in on shared stories.
Reservation Information

Foster Parenting and the Foster Care System with Henry Smith from the National Youth Advocate Program -
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, January 23, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join Henry Smith from the NYAP for an insightful discussion on the complexities of the foster parenting and the foster care system. Hear about the rewards and challenges of serving youth and families impacted by foster care. Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or want to better understand the system, this talk will offer valuable perspective and guidance. Discover how you can make a positive impact on a child’s life through foster care!
 
The Thursday Night Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to recieve a reminder but all drop-ins welcome. 
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Feature Film: Wings of Desire
directed by Wim Wenders
Monday, January 27, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Bruno Ganz is Damiel, an angel perched atop buildings high over Berlin who can hear the thoughts—fears, hopes, dreams—of all the people living below. But when he falls in love with a beautiful trapeze artist, he is willing to give up his immortality and come back to Earth to be with her. Made not long before the fall of the Berlin wall, this stunning tapestry of sounds and images, shot in black and white and color by the legendary Henri Alekan, is movie poetry. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Make a Mix Mondays – Valentine’s Love & Friendship Soup
Monday, January 27, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Learn how to assemble and re-create a delicious hardy soup mix, free from preservatives and chemicals, and full of heart-shaped pasta – just in time for Valentine’s Day! You will assemble and take home a soup mix, attractive tag & recipe card, and a coordinating greeting card. Make more for friends and family at home later.
 
Library card required for registration. 
Reserve a seat

Kim Weitkamp: Beyond the Trees – A Story Central Performance
Saturday, February 1, 3:00-4:30pm
Downtown Library
Sustainability goes beyond the environment, all the way into the family roots. Come and enjoy stories and songs not only about the Earth, but also on how to keep the roots of your family tree healthy through story.
 
Kim Weitkamp is a beloved storyteller, author, singer-songwriter and humorist, with eight award-winning albums and a voice that has been described as “warm honey."
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Sunday Matinee Music Series: Jimmy Stowe Trio
Sunday, February 2, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
When it’s time to party in paradise, the Jimmy Stowe Trio band hit the dock to rock your boat with an engaging style and a musical bounty of smooth Classic Pop and Trop-Rock tunes.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in January, 3:30-5:45pm
Spanish River Library
Poets from all walks of life, both established and emerging, are encouraged to share their work and offer positive feedback and support to each other. This weekly series is hosted by Pamela Passaretta, who coordinated this program for 10 years in Washington, DC. Open to ages 18 and up.
 
Seat reservation not required but seating is limited.

Socrates Cafè
Mondays, Spanish River Library,  1:00-3:00pm
Tuesdays, Downtown Library, 1:30-3:00pm
At Socrates Cafe, people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences. Gatherings are free and open to any member of the public who wishes to freely discuss a question, which is chosen by vote.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome. 
What's New in the Digital Library
Kanopy Films and Classes
As the new year unfolds, we’re here to motivate you to pursue your goals with Kanopy’s New Year’s Resolutions collection. These insightful titles serve as a powerful reminder that you can overcome challenges and reach your full potential. See the collection here. 
Instructional Classes for Adults
Intermediate Portuguese
Tuesdays, January 7 - April 8, 6:00-7:45pm
Downtown Library
Join us for this Spring, semester-length course on Portuguese for Intermediate learners, including engaging lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. For those who have taken the Beginning Portuguese course or who have at least an Advanced-Beginner knowledge of the language. 
Reserve a seat

How to Use a Sewing Machine: Sewing Basics
Thursdays, January 9, 16, 1:30-3:30pm
Downtown Library
Spring into a new hobby and learn how to use a sewing machine. Join us for a two-part class series and learn the parts of the sewing machine. 
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

Inspirational Speaking
Saturday, January 11, 1:30-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Explore the power and method of motivational speaking. Whether challenging others to self-improvement, celebrating a big accomplishment, or providing encouragement to overcome a setback, join us to learn how to craft a message to uplift and energize. 
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Life Skills: Next Level Knitting
Tuesday, January 14, 11:00am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Take your basic knitting skills to the next level with new techniques. Basic skill of cast-on, knit and purl required. 

Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

Life Skills: Macramé Wall Hanging
Thursday, January 16, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Discover how to transform a simple knot into a stunning wall hanging by mastering three essential macrame knots. Join us to unleash your creativity and take home your completed project!
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

US Citizenship Test Preparation
Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45pm
Spanish River Library

Do you need help preparing for the Citizenship and Interview Test? This 4-5 class series offers a range of resources and services for those preparing to become a United States citizen and repeats monthly. 
 
Classes are designed to help prepare adult immigrants to successfully complete the naturalization process. This preparation includes developing civic knowledge, learning about N-400, practice on 100 questions and the naturalization interview one-on-one preparation.
 
Seat resesrvation required.
Reserve a seat

ESOL Conversation Corner
Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Come practice your conversational English skills over a cup of coffee or tea! We will improve our speaking and reading skills through a variety of everyday conversation topics and fun activities. We meet every other Tuesday morning. Recommended for participants with advanced-beginner to intermediate speaking ability.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome. 
Reserve a seat

Our Instructional Services team is offering many classes for adults this month. Click on the links below or visit the Library Calendar to reserve a seat. Seat reservations are required for all programs.
Book Talks for Adults
Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Tuesday, January 7, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library 

In a peaceful retirement village, four friends meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. Shocking news reaches them one day—an old friend has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. The gang's search leads them into the antiques business, where the tricks of the trade are as old as the objects themselves. 
 
Seat reservations not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here. 

Book Talks - Spring Book Previews
Tuesday, January 14, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Shake off the winter blues by joining us for a preview of highly anticipated Spring releases. Join us for some light refreshments and be the first to hear about these upcoming titles and reserve your copy today.
 
Seat reservations not required; drop-ins welcome.

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies: Broken Glass
by Alex Beam
Tuesday, January 21, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
 A true story of the intimate relationship that gave birth to the Farnsworth House, a masterpiece of twentieth-century architecture—and disintegrated into a bitter feud over love, money, gender, and the very nature of art.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

 
Friends Book Club: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and
Jennifer Finney Boylan
Thursday, January 23, 6:30-7:30pm
Virtual Program
A riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves. 
 
Open to all. No pre-registration required.
 
Join virtual program with our new dedicated Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6188745394
 
Presented by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
What's New for Children
Read aloud with a motley crew of insects as they wonder who will win the big contest - you might just see some awesome insects in the park while following along! 
 
StoryWalk is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s storybook along a popular walking route in the community. Different books are displayed throughout the year to keep the StoryWalk experience fresh and promote future learning.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Tail Wagging Tutors (ages 6 -8)
Saturday, January 4, 12:00-1:30pm
Downtown Library & Spanish River Library
Build your child's reading confidence with furry, tail wagging, tutors. Limited spaces available. Parent/guardian signature of an activity waiver particpant form is required for each child prior to attending the program. Please plan to arrive early to sign the waiver and pick your books.
Reserve a time - Downtown Library
Reserve a time - Spanish River Library

Special Guest Storytime with an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard
Monday, January 6, 10:00-10:30am, Downtown Library
Monday, January 27, 10:00-10:30am, Spanish River Library
This fun-filled half-hour will be packed with songs, fingerplays and stories read by library staff and a special guest reader from the Boca Raton Ocean Rescue Lifeguard team.
 
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a time - Downtown Library
 
Reserve a time - Spanish River Library

Tail Wagging Tutors (ages 6 -8)
Saturday, January 18, 12:00-1:30pm
Downtown Library & Spanish River Library
Build your child's reading confidence with furry, tail wagging, tutors. Limited spaces available. Parent/guardian signature of an activity waiver particpant form is required for each child prior to attending the program. Please plan to arrive early to sign the waiver and pick your books.
Reserve a time - Downtown Library
Reserve a time - Spanish River Library

Winnie the Pooh Day
Sunday, January 19, 10:00-11:30am (ages 0-5)
Downtown Library
Come join us for Winnie the Pooh Day. Little ones can enjoy crafts and activities, playing with others, and watching the Winnie the Pooh movie together. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Bright Minds Storytime: An ASD Storytime (ages 7 - 12)
Friday, January 17, 3:30-4:00pm
Downtown Library
This fun storytime is designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children must be accompanied with at least one parent/caregiver. Siblings welcome too.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Farmer Jay’s Junior Sprouts Class (ages 6-8)
Wednesdays in January, 3:30-4:30pm
Downtown Library
Get ready to grow something! Join the Jr. Sprouts program which will introduce children to the lost art of sustainable agriculture. Each class includes fun, hands-on activities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. A seat reservation is required for each individual class.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
 

Exceptional Explorers (ages 7-8)
Wednesdays in January, 4:00-4:45pm
Spanish River Library
Join us for new adventures each week as we meet inspiring real life explorers and engage in fun, hands-on activities. Be curious, seek answers and explore with us.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat
What's New for Tweens and Teens
Tween Graphic Novel Book Talk: Booked by Kwame Alexander (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, January 7, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read.  
 
Reserve your seat, pick up your book at the Spanish River Library, and meet with us to talk about the novel.
 
Books funded by the Friends of the Library.
Reserve a seat

Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia's Crafternoon (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, January 21, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Using common household items, create a monthly upcycled craft inspired by the ever funky and fun Claudia from Babysitter's Club. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own projects to work on in a safe space with friends.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Sustainability Skills for Tweens: Soap Making (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, January 21, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Tweens come together to learn the basics of soap making. We will go through the process, step-by-step, and tweens will make their own creative soap sample.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Rookie Rooks Introduction to Chess for Youth (ages 8-12)
Sunday, January 26, 10:30am-11:30am
Downtown Library
Ready to learn how to play chess? Join a monthly introduction chess class led by a chess instructor in partnership with Endgame Education.  Child attends independently.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat

Beginning Crochet for Tweens
Sundays, January 26 - April 6, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
In this introductory class, tweens will learn the foundations of crochet, including making a slip knot, chaining, single, and double crochet and reading a pattern. After this class, tweens will  have the beginning skills to explore and start their own projects, like small bags.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Booktastic Book Talk: "A Wolf Called Wander" (ages 8-10)
Tuesday, January 28, 3:30-4:15pm
Downtown Library
Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack  learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.
 
Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest.
 
Pick up a free copy of the book at the Downtown  Library's Youth Services desk once registered (while supplies last). Books donated by the Friends of the Library.
 
Child attends independently. Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Journey to Olympus (ages 9-12)
Tuesdays, January 28 - April 22, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Journey to Olympus, and learn about the various gods, heroes, and monsters of Greek mythology. Learn about a different myth, story, or legend each month, and engage in fun activities.
 
Seat reservation required. Register for each class individually. 
Reserve a seat

Geocaching for Teens: Explore Your Community (ages 13-17)
Saturday, January 18, 2:00-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Geocaching is a fun family activity that exists all around you. Learn about what it is, how to get started, staying safe, and take a video trip to a nearby geocache spot to learn and see what to expect. You may find a surprise or two.
 
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Podcasting for Teens: Share Your Story (ages 13-17)
Monday, January 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Create a story of your own with our podcasting equipment.  Teens will learn the intricacies of creating a podcast, including practice with editing audio in Audacity. See Event Calendar for waiver requirements. 
 
Seat reservation not required, but seating is limited. 
More to Enjoy
New Art Exhibit "Painting Through the Decades” 
By Lucy Nadine Borg
December 16 - February 7
Downtown Library
Ms. Borg explains, “When I paint, I am constantly having a conversation with the painting. I am in a zone. I don’t hear anything or see anything around me. What I paint is what I feel. My painting is a learning process. I love when people look at my paintings and they find interesting images that I never expected.” Read more...

New Art Exhibit "Impressions" by Mary Ann Appell
January 6 - February 14
Spanish River Library
Having made over 15 trips to Europe, Mary Ann Appell has captured artscapes across Italy, France, Spain, England, and the Netherlands, blending her personal artistic expression with the vibrant landscapes she encounters. Her photographs are not merely images; they are vibrant, dynamic impressions of the world around us, created with a sense of awe and reverence for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Read more...
Library Team Member Spotlight
Kim Haste
Library Assistant II
What I Do: As part of the Informational Services Team, I answer questions about a wide variety of things from digital resources here in the library to directions to the nearest ATM. I  teach instructional classes and create informational flyers for our classes. I also stock the free literature resources in both our locations and am constantly on the lookout for new sources to meet our patrons' needs.
 
Why I Love My Job: : I have the freedom to be creative whether in offering new classes, designing flyers or decorating the Holiday Parade float. I have the best co-workers anyone could hope to have and a supervisor that trusts me to do my job well. I am part of touching people's lives through the power of the written word.
 
What I’m Reading Now: Big Book of Bread by King Arthur Baking Company and
Friends of the Library News
The Friends are grateful to the community for generous book donations.  
Volunteers receive book donations Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am-3:30pm at the Bookstore located in the lobby of the Downtown Library. Please review the book donation policy at the Friends Bookstore Webpage.

Support Indie Bookstores
You can purchase Friends virtual book club picks online at Bookshop.org. Search for the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library Bookstore to see their list of book club picks, and select them as the bookstore you would like to support with your purchase.
 

Friends' Bookstore Hours & Location
400 NW 2nd Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday - Monday: Closed
561-544-8596
The Friends' Bookstore is closed for the holidays and will reopen on Thursday, January 2. 

Library Hours & Locations
400 NW 2nd Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
561-393-7852
The Library will be closed Wednesday, January 1 in observance of New Year's Day.
 
 

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Boca Raton Public Library
400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-393-7852
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